Local Election 2010

The Conservative Candidates for the Swindon Council local elections on Thursday 6th May 2010

Swindon North Wards:

Abbey Meads - Peter Heaton-Jones

Peter Heaton-Jones already represents thousands of Abbey Meads residents as a local Parish Councillor. He’s also a Governor at Isambard School and a member of Redhouse Residents’ Association.

For the last two years he’s been working closely with Cllr Justin Tomlinson, who is standing down and endorsing Peter as his replacement.

Together, the Conservative team in Abbey Meads have delivered real improvements with the lowest possible council tax.

Developers have been held to account for failing to live up to the promises in their brochures. In the future, Peter has pledged to fight unsustainable development being forced on Swindon by Labour.

Peter, who used to present the breakfast news programme on BBC Radio Swindon, will continue the work of local Conservatives on many successful campaigns. These include securing new retail and leisure facilities, holding annual schools admissions meetings, and leading on ‘Street Scene’ issues, like graffiti, litter, traffic and parking.

Blunsdon - Councillor Doreen Dart

Doreen was first elected as a councillor for Blunsdon in 1986. She lives in Stanton Fitzwarren with her husband Norman and is strong voice for all the villages and communities in the ward.

Doreen has fought for better signage on the new Blunsdon by-pass, and supports the village shop as a vital community facility. She chairs Hannington Parish Council and has been heavily involved in planning for the prestigious new Bodleian (Oxford) Library in South Marston. She is also on a number of council committees and groups.

Doreen pledges to continue to fight for Blunsdon ward residents at the highest levels on the council, to ensure that this largely rural ward is not forgotten when decisions are made. Conservatives have delivered real improvements in services and facilities while keeping council tax low, and Doreen will continue this work for all fellow local residents.

Covingham & Nythe - Richard Hurley

Richard Hurley and his family have lived in Covingham for more than twenty years. He has been extremely active in the community, including voluntary work at The Samaritans and Wyvern Theatre, and numerous local campaigns.  Richard is being endorsed by Cllr Phil Young, who is stepping down at this election.

If elected, Richard has pledged to campaign to stop Labour's plans for 12,000 houses to the east of the A419.  He also supports the Conservative plan to rip up the government’s house-building targets so that Swindon cannot be forced to accommodate huge new developments.
Richard will work to secure the demolition of St Ives Court as part of a regeneration of Nythe that residents can be proud of.
And he will continue to work with Thames Water, the Environment Agency and the Council to properly address the issue of flooding which is paramount for so many fellow local residents.

Gorse Hill & Pinehurst - Jaki Fairbrother

Jaki Fairbrother has been selected as the new Conservative candidate for Gorse Hill & Pinehurst. Jaki is an experienced solicitor; her focus has always been on customer service and so she will always work hard to represent local residents.

Jaki believes that the focus in Gorse Hill & Pinehurst must be on so-called ‘quality of life’ issues. These include cleaning up litter and graffiti, tackling anti-social behaviour, and protecting local parks and open spaces.

The Conservatives have delivered real improvements in services and facilities and Jaki has pledged to continue this work. She will ensure that council tenants continue to see improvements in their properties and that older residents are properly cared for.

Jaki is the partner of popular Moredon councillor and cabinet member Colin Lovell. Together they will continue to ensure that the Conservatives deliver the best possible services with fair and affordable council taxes.

Haydon Wick - Councillor David Renard

David Renard has been a Haydon Wick Borough Councillor since 2002 and has lived here with his family for twenty years.

David has been a senior member of the council’s cabinet since 2004, where he is responsible for health, housing and adult social care.

One of the biggest recent issues in Haydon Wick has been flooding. David will continue to work with Thames Water, the Environment Agency and the council to deliver alleviation works, with well over £10m being invested by this summer.

Working closely with the Parish Council, David has also delivered improvements to Thames Avenue, including a new pedestrian crossing. He continues to fight for residents of the Abbey Meads estate, where some roads have still not been handed over by developers, and he championed the Conservative’s improved kerbside recycling service.

If re-elected, David will continue to be a strong and effective councillor for all fellow local residents.

Highworth - Councillor John Short

John Short has represented Highworth on Swindon Borough Council for the past four years. He has worked incredibly hard for all local residents, both in the surrounding villages and rural communities, as well as in the town itself.

John serves on the Planning Committee, Health Scrutiny Committee, and the Appeals Committee, among others.

His focus is on delivering real improvements for local residents. These have included the installation of security fencing at Newburgh Place, street lighting improvements on Swindon Road, better signage and walkways in the town square, and refurbishment of the leisure centre - including a new roof for the swimming pool.

If re-elected, John pledges to continue fighting for further improvements to services and facilities for all local residents and to ensure that Highworth is never forgotten when decisions are made.

Moredon - Councillor David Wren

David Wren has represented Moredon for the last four years. In 2008 he was elected as Swindon’s Deputy Mayor, and for the last year he has been Mayor of the Borough. With fellow local Conservatives, David has delivered real improvements for residents. ‘Quality of Life’ issues, like graffiti, parking and anti-social behaviour, remain top of the agenda.

The catchment area of the new Academy has been extended to include Moredon, funding has been secured for the new Children’s Centre, and a school safety zone has been introduced outside Moredon Primary School.

David pledges to continue work to improve Moredon’s Council houses and to support the popular annual Housing fairs.

For older residents, David and the Conservatives have worked with private partners to deliver Maple Court, the brand new extra-care facility.

If re-elected, David will continue to work hard both for individual residents and for the community as a whole.

Penhill - Emma Carter

Emma Carter is the new Conservative candidate in Penhill at this election.  She will represent a fresh start for the area and has the energy and enthusiasm to fight hard for all local residents.

Emma and her family have deep roots in Swindon, and her relatives have been involved in local politics for many years.  She is a recent graduate and has the expertise to make a real difference in Penhill.

If elected, Emma pledges to drive forward the vital work to improve council houses.  The Conservatives have exceeded targets when it comes to the quality of the housing stock, and Emma will ensure this continues.

Her top priority will be to ensure that anti-social behaviour, graffiti and litter are tackled, with new security measures and more police on the beat.

The Conservatives will continue to deliver real improvements for Penhill with a fair and affordable council tax.

Stratton St. Margaret - Councillor Mark Edwards

Mark Edwards has been the local councillor for Stratton St Margaret since 2006.  He is a senior member of Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet, and is in charge of the council’s budget.  Mark has been responsible for delivering the lowest possible council tax, whilst the council has become one of the fastest-improving authorities in the country.

Mark works extremely hard for local residents in St Margaret, dealing effectively both with major issues and individual case-work.  Among his achievements, he has supported the residents’ fight for new noise barriers alongside the A419 which will improve the quality of life for many local people.

If re-elected, Mark pledges to continue to fight to protect the area’s green open spaces.  He will also represent residents’ concerns over traffic in Ermin Street, and continue to tackle litter, graffiti and other ‘Street Scene’ issues which are a top priority for local residents.

St. Philip - Janet Heenan

Janet is the new Conservative candidate for Stratton St Philip at this election. Janet has many years experience working at senior levels in major organisations and will use all this experience to be an effective local councillor.

One of Janet’s main priorities will be to protect the area’s green open spaces from developers. She supports the Conservative plans to scrap Labour’s house-building targets and return decision-making to local people.

Janet will work with fellow local councillors and residents to secure a long term solution to the Queensfield traffic problems.

Janet supported the Conservatives delivery of the £10m new Central Library and securing the future of the Upper Stratton Community Library.

She will fight for a repairs to roads and footpaths, and tackle ‘Street Scene’ issues like litter and graffiti.
Overall, Janet is promising to be an approachable, independent and strong voice for all local residents.

Western - Samantha Michael

 Samantha is the new Conservative candidate for Western ward at this election. She grew up in Swindon, and lives and works in the town.

Samantha will be a fresh start, and has the energy and enthusiasm needed to drive forward real improvements for Western ward.

She will focus on being a strong and effective local councillor for all residents, whether in the traditional areas of Rodbourne and Cheney Manor, or in the newer developments off Penzance Drive and the Great Western Way.

Samantha’s priorities will be to tackle the everyday issues that affect residents’ quality of life, such as litter, graffiti and anti-social behaviour. She will also tackle the traffic problems around Northern Road and Churchward Avenue, working closely with local residents to find the best solution.

Samantha will work with fellow Conservatives to continue to deliver improved services with a fair and affordable council tax.

Swindon South Wards:

Central - Kevin Leakey

Kevin Leakey and his wife Karen are long-term residents of the Central area, living in Salisbury Street for 22 years.  Kevin is proud to be a born and bred Swindonian, and his family have lived and worked here for generations.

For the last ten years, Kevin has been actively involved in making the Broadgreen area a better place to live.  He’s a committee member of the local community association, and has recently become chair of the new Broadgreen and Queenstown History Group.

If elected, Kevin’s priority will be to improve investment in the residential areas of Central Swindon.  He wants to offer people a fresh start, as a new Councillor who lives and works in the Town Centre and actually cares about it.

Kevin pledges to take up the problems and concerns of fellow local residents and put in 100% effort all year round.

Dorcan - Councillor Rod Bluh

Rod Bluh is the Leader of Swindon Borough Council and also works tirelessly to be an effective ward councillor for residents in Dorcan.  Alongside his colleagues, Rod holds regular surgeries to hear first-hand from local people, and deals with many individual issues on their behalf.

Rod is proud of the achievements of Swindon Borough Council, which under his leadership has consistently delivered improved services with a fair and affordable council tax.

Rod will continue to represent local residents’ concerns over the Eastern Development Area, which could see thousands of new houses built just over the A419.

In Dorcan, the Conservatives have delivered the refurbishment of Dorcan Bridge, new security at the Liden Centre to tackle anti-social behaviour, and new play parks in Eldene and Liden Green.  If re-elected, Rod pledges to continue to fight for improved services and facilities for all local residents.

Eastcott - Valerie Butt

Valerie is the new Conservative candidate for Eastcott ward.  She is a long-term resident of Eastcott and has been active in the community for many years.

Valerie offers a fresh start for local residents and has the energy and enthusiasm to work hard, all year round.

If elected, she pledges to tackle the pressing issues in the ward straight away.  The growing number of multiple-occupancy homes needs to be effectively managed for the overall good of the whole community, and Valerie will work closely with the Conservative administration on this important issue.

Valerie will also tackle the ongoing problems with residents’ parking, and will ensure that Eastcott’s many alleyways and back lanes – as well as the beautiful Queen’s Park – are kept clean and tidy.

The Conservatives have improved the performance of the council while keeping council tax low, and Valerie will continue this work for all fellow local residents.

Freshbrook & Grange Park - Councillor Mick Bray

Mick Bray lives in Freshbrook and has served the area as a hard-working, truly local councillor.  He works hard to represent fellow residents, and is also on a great many council committees and outside bodies.  These include the Licensing Committee, the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and the Great Western Community Forest Committee.

Mick is proud of the extensive works carried out by the Conservatives to improve Lydiard Park.  This jewel in the crown has been restored to its former glory, with the lake reinstated and miles of new footpaths created.  The Conservatives have delivered the brand new Millbrook School and new playgrounds in Bloomsbury Close and Camden Close.  Mick also fought for the removal of the hated speed humps on Freshbrook Way.

If re-elected, Mick will continue to work tirelessly for fellow local residents in Freshbrook & Grange Park bringing real improvements to the community.

Old Town & Lawn - Councillor Brian Mattock

Brian Mattock lives in Old Town and has worked hard for the last four years to represent the interests of fellow local residents.  Two years ago Brian was appointed to the cabinet, and he is now in charge of the important ‘Connecting People Connecting Places’ initiative.  From this senior position, Brian is able to be an effective and influential councillor for all fellow local residents.

Brian has secured the future of Old Town Library with exciting plans to combine it with the Arts Centre, providing a major new community facility for Old Town.

Brian and the Conservatives have delivered major improvements to the Croft Sports Centre and a community centre for the area’s newest residents in Wichelstowe.

If re-elected, Brian pledges to continue working hard with the council to deliver improved services and facilities, while keeping council tax as low as possible.

Parks - Councillor Graham Cherry

Graham Cherry has worked hard to represent Parks since being elected here two years ago.  He is a local resident, living and working in the ward, and is committed to serving the people of Parks – and only Parks.

Graham is proud of the Conservative Council’s achievements in Parks, especially the massive regeneration project at Cavendish Square, which will provide a community hub which everyone can be proud of.

Elsewhere, Tyndale Gardens and Evelyn Court have been developed to provide homes for the least well-off families, and there are new parking facilities at Studland Close.

The Conservatives have exceeded all targets when it comes to improvements to council houses, and Graham will ensure this continues.  He has also pledged to work hard to tackle anti-social behaviour, graffiti and crime, to make Parks a better place to live for all fellow local residents.

Shaw & Nine Elms - Councillor Keith Williams

Keith Williams is a well-known local councillor living in Nine Elms with his wife and two sons.  He was first elected in 2006, and is the Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, Chair of Lydiard Park Board and Chair of Thamesdown Bus Company.

In Shaw & Nine Elms, Conservatives have delivered the new Shaw Ridge Primary School, new football pitches and a café at the Link Centre, and action to clean up graffiti and improve the environment.

If re-elected, Keith pledges to oppose the government’s development plans for 3,500 houses next to Sparcells and Peatmoor, and he’ll support Conservative plans to scrap Labour’s house-building targets as part of the Regional Spatial Strategy.

Keith will also work to introduce speed-activated road signs in West Swindon, fully restore Saltway playground following the fire, and bring a real steam railway to Mouldon Hill.

Wroughton & Chiseldon - Councillor Eric Shaw

Eric Shaw lives in Chiseldon and has nearly 20 years experience serving as a ward councillor; the past four years as a member for Wroughton & Chiseldon.  Eric is retired and can therefore devote time to work hard representing the interests of all fellow local residents.

He is a senior Councillor, serving as Chair of the Licensing and Appeals Committees and member of the Planning, Scrutiny and Audit Committees.

He has delivered real improvements for local residents.  These include new road safety and speed reduction measures in Wroughton, Chisledon and Hodson, which he regards as a top priority.

Eric supports the work of the Parish Councils and Residents Associations, and if re-elected will continue to work with them for the benefit of everyone.

He is a strong voice for local residents and will always make sure that the outlying communities will never be forgotten when decisions are made.

Toothill & Westlea - No Election

Ridgeway - No Election

Walcot - No Election